Kara and Christian wanted a wedding that was simple, but with some added twists. Their personalities together scream adventure and fun so it was no surprise that their elopement would be exactly that.

WHAT WORDS WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING?

Intimate, surreal, effortless, captivating

THE PROPOSAL

Christian proposed on 8/31/2019 in Madison, WI at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. We had planned a weekend trip for the “Taste of Madison” which we have attended three years in a row. Since it was practically our favorite weekend of the year, and one of our favorite places to visit, in 2019 we decided to bring his mom, his step-dad, my mom, and my mom’s boyfriend to share the experience with! He hired a professional photographer to capture the entire moment. 

THE VISION:

We wanted something natural and raw. We wanted simplicity, but with a few unique touches… A mix of boho, modern, and rock! 

THE PLANNING PROCESS:

We had originally made the decision to postpone our 350+ person wedding from August 2020, to May 2021 sometime early summer. It was probably around Thanksgiving 2020 where one day, it just hit me. I realized WHY THE HELL are we going through all of this stress and aggravation AGAIN. Considering the pandemic was not going anywhere anytime soon, we made the decision to be more spontaneous, adventurous, and most importantly, more us. It was at that moment, I jumped on google, and found ELV. I immediately fell in love with the entire concept and just went for it! 

YOUR OUTFITS AND ACCESSORIES

I bought my dress off the sale rack at a local shop over 1.5 years ago. I had absolutely no idea what I wanted, but once I stepped into it, I just knew it was the one. I left the bridal salon that night and could barely sleep because I was worried someone was going to snatch it off the rack so I went back the next day and bought it. In terms of accessories, and as far as the ~vibe~ goes… I just wanted to feel KARA. I wanted to be myself, which is a little quirky, but still be comfortable. Honestly, I could not have felt any better about my decisions!! 
Wedding Dress – Eva’s Bridal International – Orland Park, IL @evasbridalinternationalBoots – IDIFUEarrings – Local Boutique Jean Jacket – Old Navy – Hand painted by my Made of Honor @britt_lilly 
As for my fiance, lol, he’s no style guru…. but with a little help from friends and family – he got it together! He wanted something “funky” considering we were eloping near Las Vegas! He got everything from K&G, including jacket, suit, bow-tie, shoes, etc. 

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

For the Bride: Christian arriving 40 minutes late  (funny – but not funny). Watching my future husband ball his eyes out like a baby the entire time – probably one of the cutest things I have ever seen in my life!!!

For the Groom: Watching Kara come around the rock (corner) and glancing over at me with a smile. Our surroundings, being one with nature, being in the moment.

ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES

As easy as it is to get wrapped up in the small details of a traditional, big, wedding… honestly, screw it. It is not about that. Who cares what the center-pieces look like, who cares what earrings the bridal party wears, who cares what color the candle holders are… at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is the love you share with your best friend. I cannot stress this enough. I found myself becoming obsessed with the dumbest details and loosing sleep over crap that no one will even remember. My advice is to do what YOU WANT. Hire a planner (AKA – Elopement Las Vegas) and just relax. It will all work out how it is supposed to! 

VENDORS

Officiant : Gayane M

Photographer : Feel and Focus Photography

Floral: Amy Wong Events

Video : Impreza Films 

Coordinator & Permit: Desert Elopement Las Vegas